章節 8: Connected to the Main Quest

Surprisingly, the registration proceeded as usual, as if the earlier mishap hadn't happened. I was asked for basic details like my name, age, race, and other essentials, which should already exist in my public information file.

Of course, there's a reason why they don't simply copy-paste public data into their database. Many mercenaries prefer anonymity, withholding personal details to protect themselves in case a job or commission goes south. While not forbidden, this lack of transparency does have a drawback—less trust from potential clients, which means fewer personalized commissions or specialized missions. As such, it's often better to "alter" your details rather than hide them entirely.

For me, I stuck to Gerard's basic information, pulling it directly from the public data I accessed on my terminal. The only thing I changed was his name. Instead of "Gerard Astoria,"—a name that would instantly draw attention—I registered as "Arthur Grail," my name back in the real world.

I'm still uncertain if returning to my original world is even possible, but for now, this universe is my new reality. Using my real-world name feels like a way of solidifying my resolve—to truly live in this universe, for better or worse.

"... Congratulations, Mr. Arthur. You are now a Bronze Rank Mercenary," Mercy announced in her usual professional tone, handing me a bronze-colored card that matched my rank. "Would you like an explanation about commissions and quests? If so, please follow me. I'll explain it to you personally."

"... Alright."

Her tone and smile didn't leave room for refusal. It was clear that this was more than a simple orientation. The earlier mishap—calling her by her real name—was undoubtedly the real reason she was taking me aside.

'Gotta think of an excuse—and fast!'

Thankfully, although my memory can be spotty with minor details, I'll never forget something as significant as Mercy's backstory. By the time we reached the backrooms for a private conversation, I had already concocted a believable lie to cover my tracks.

"Please, sit down," Mercy said, gesturing toward an elegant sofa set.

The furniture looked expensive, and I hesitated for a moment before sitting. The cushions were incredibly soft yet firm, sinking only slightly under my weight.

"What amazing material," I muttered under my breath, briefly running my hand along the armrest before turning to face Mercy, who had seated herself across from me. "So? I'm guessing you want to ask how I knew your name, right?"

A mixture of fear, doubt, and curiosity could be seen in her gaze, though her composed demeanor didn't waver.

"As you might know, receptionists' identities are kept private for their safety," she began calmly. "If you can explain how you came to know my name, I'm willing to overlook this incident without imposing any penalties."

'So she suspects I accessed some kind of backdoor to obtain her information.'

She wasn't wrong to think so—such methods do exist. But mentioning that would only dig me deeper into trouble.

I took a deep breath, feigning calmness. "You know that I'm an Astoria, right?" I started. "Years ago, during my societal debut with my father, I met your father—Captain Terrence Greenwood. Or should I say, Major Greenwood now? Please send him my regards on his recent promotion."

Mercy remained silent, her expression unreadable, as she listened intently.

"It was during one of those events," I continued. "In a moment of drunken enthusiasm, your father showed me a picture of you and mentioned your name. As luck would have it, I have a good memory, so it stuck with me. I didn't expect to meet you here, let alone see that you look just as youthful and beautiful as you did in that picture."

I added the last line with a wry smile, hoping to disarm her. According to her in-game lore, Mercy should be about 100 human years old now. Considering the long lifespan of space-elves, she'd likely look this way for another 500 years or so.

"... I see," she said after a few long seconds. "So you didn't obtain my information illegally, but heard it from my father. I apologize for doubting you, Mr. Arthur." She bowed her head slightly, a gesture of sincerity.

"Ah, it's fine—no need to apologize," I replied quickly, waving my hand. "It was my fault for saying your name out loud in public."

"Fufu," Mercy chuckled lightly. "Only a few trusted adventurers overheard, so no harm was done. But please be careful next time, alright? Calling a receptionist by their real name is punishable by law, after all."

"I understand," I said with a relieved smile.

Just as I began to relax, leaning into the plush sofa, Mercy suddenly spoke, as though something important had just come to mind. "Ah, right. You mentioned you're acquainted with my father, didn't you?"

"...Yes," I replied calmly, though inwardly, I was unsure.

Gerard might have known her father, but I couldn't be certain. Still, as the heir to a powerful conglomerate, the odds were in my favor. Besides, the excuse I gave wasn't just a simple bluff—I had another goal in mind, and her next words would likely align perfectly with it.

"That's wonderful! Then, could you accept a special commission from me?" Mercy asked, tapping at her wrist terminal.

A moment later, a holographic panel materialized, displaying the details of a commission in the standard mission format:

[---

Commission ID: TF-80003506011

Applicant: Mercy Greenwood

Title: Track Terrence Greenwood's Location

Details: Major Terrence Greenwood has been missing in action (MIA) for three months. No contact has been made during this period, though neither he nor his crew has been confirmed dead. Seers of the Siren Race failed to locate them but remained confident in their survival. The last known location was the Jiguer Sector in the Katalet Star Cluster.

Mission: Locate traces of Major Terrence and his crew; if possible, bring them back.

Reward: 10,000,000 Credits

---]

"This is..." I gasped, feigning surprise as I read the commission details.

Of course, I already knew about this quest—it was one of the main storyline missions. Its existence also meant there was a high probability of discovering other side quests tied to it.

Misinterpreting the serious expression on my face, Mercy nodded slowly, her tone heavy with sadness. "Yes. My father has been missing for a while now. I'm growing worried about his well-being, so I'm asking trustworthy mercenaries to help find him."

"I see," I replied thoughtfully. "But why me? We only met today."

Hearing my question, Mercy smiled faintly. "Because not only have you seen my father before, but you're also from the renowned Astoria family. With such a background, I believe you're trustworthy enough for this mission."

I studied her expression carefully. Her expression reflected nervousness, mingled with a glimmer of hope. After a moment of consideration—or at least the appearance of it—I nodded.

"Alright, I accept. I'll help you look for Major Terrence."

Like sunlight breaking through clouds, Mercy's face lit up with a radiant, heartfelt smile. "Thank you, Mr. Arthur! You're the second person to accept this commission, so I'm truly grateful!"

"..."

Of course, I knew what had happened to the "first" mercenary who accepted this quest. By now, they were nothing more than space debris drifting in this "Jiguer Sector" or whatever. They just had bad luck, plain and simple.

"Ah, that reminds me," I said, recalling another reason for my visit to the Mercenary Union. "I salvaged some loot from pirates on my way here and need to sell it. Could you process the sale? Also, I'd like to call someone over—she insists on overseeing the transaction to make sure I don't cheat her out of her share. Even though I'm the one who dealt with the pirates."

"Salvaged goods from pirates, is it?" Mercy's professional smile returned. "Of course, we can handle it. I'll step away for a moment to call your companion over as well."

"Thanks, that's a big help."

A few minutes after Mercy left, Eva stormed into the room, eyes blazing. "You left me behind without a word!" she growled.

Her tirade didn't last long, though. Mercy's return quickly diffused the situation, and we proceeded with the negotiations. The goods we salvaged fetched a total of 175,000 Credits, with half—87,500 Credits—transferred directly to Eva's account.

After confirming the fair split, Eva allowed a faint smile to cross her lips. It was fleeting, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by her usual scowl.

With this transaction settled, she had no reason to stick around anymore. However, I need her as an ally, for the sake of the plot and saving the universe, so I extended a hand and made my offer.

"Eva Beastol," I said, meeting her wary gaze. "I'm starting my own mercenary band. Would you consider joining? I promise a fair share of rewards on all commissions."

Her eyes flickered with unspoken emotions, barely concealed behind her mask of contempt. Anxiety, hope, and curiosity. Still, she shook her head, as though playing hard to get.

"...Give me some time to think," she whispered softly before turning and walking away.

I watched her retreating figure and sighed, shrugging my shoulders. I hadn't expected her to accept right away, anyway.

"For now, I guess I should go around and look for some weapon shops for my ship." The very next moment after I decided so, a sudden voice called out from behind me.

"Brother!"

'Again with the 'brother' call?' I thought to myself, annoyance flickering across my mind.

Before I even turned to face the speaker, a sense of unease crept in. The tone was far too familiar, yet held an edge that made my instincts flare. Without even seeing their face, I could already tell—they were up to no good.